DETACHED DISPOSABLE FILTER FOR EXHALED SMOKE

Abstract

The invention discloses a smoke filter comprising a filter housing detached from a smoking apparatus, a mouth piece, an exhaled smoke intake vent, a pre-filter pouch having pores containing filter media; and a filter exit vent. The disposable filter is not used during inhalation, and only used during exhaling.

Description

BACKGROUND

The use of various filters for removal of harmful effects while inhaling smoke is common. However, the use of filters for exhaled smoke is not.

It is now commonly understood the exhaled smokes poses a significant health risk to those in the vicinity of the person who is smoking. In addition, the exhaled smoke has an odor which is highly offensive to non-smokers. Moreover, cigarette or pipe smoke has a tendency to linger in an enclosed place, such as a room, even if windows are opened. For this reasons, many hotels and other similar establishments either do not allow any smoking in any of their rooms, or allow smoking in only a limited number of their rooms. Accordingly, a smoke filter is desired to substantially reduce the harmful constituents of exhaled smoke, as well as its odor.

Additionally, because smoking filters and assemblies “absorb” smoke, they cannot be fully cleaned and over time begin to accumulate germs, chemicals, and other materials. Lichtenberg, U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,757, describes a cigarette holder, which completely encloses a cigarette. Smoke is inhaled though the cigarette holder's filter, and thereafter, the same cigarette holder is used for exhaling smoke. Accordingly, Lichtenberg's device is used for both inhaling and exhaling smoke, as well it can only function with cigarettes.

Therefore there is a need for a smoke filter that can be used with different smoking apparatus. There is also a need for a smoking apparatus that is used only for exhaled smoke. There is also a need for a smoke filter that is disposable such that the same filter is not used continuously and can be discarded. There is also a need for a smoke filter that has a low manufacturing cost.

Therefore, a first objective of the invention is to provide a smoke filter to be used with different smoking apparatus, not just cigarettes. Another objective of the invention is to provide a smoke filter that is detached from the smoking apparatus.

Yet another objective of the invention is to have a disposable filter, made from flexible materials that are low in price, as well the filter can be discarded after one or more uses.

Yet another objective of the invention is that it be light in weight so that it can be carried when on travel.

SUMMARY

A disposable smoke filter invention is described to reduce the chemical constituents and odor of exhaled smoke. The smoke filter comprises a filter housing detached from a smoking apparatus, a mouth piece, an exhaled smoke intake vent, a pre-filter pouch having pores containing filter media; and a filter exit vent. The disposable filter is not used during inhalation, and only used during exhaling.

In one embodiment of the invention the filter housing is made of flexible material. In a preferred embodiment the filter housing is comprised of a metalized laminated pouch. Material used for the laminated pouch consists of the group polyethylene terephthalate, foil, or polybarrier film. In another embodiment of the invention, the metalized laminated pouch is between 3 and 5 millimeters thick. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the metalized laminated pouch is 4 millimeters thick.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the constituents of the smoke filter.

FIG. 2 shows a cross-section of the smoke filter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the invention comprises of a smoke filter having a filter housing 10, a mouth piece 12 and a exit vent 24. The mouth piece is attached to the filter housing by conventional means such as by adhesives known in the art. The mouth piece 12 has an intake vent opening 14 where exhaled smoke passes through. After the smoke passes through the intake vent it enters into a pre-filter pouch 16. The pre-filter pouch is connected to a hepa filter 20 and a sleeve 18, the three forming a barrier to hold the activated carbon 22 within the filter housing. On the side opposite the mouth piece, the housing filter comprises of a filtered smoke exit vent 24. The filter housing 10 is completely detached from any smoking apparatus, such as a pipe or a cigarette, without regard to the diameter, size, or shape of the smoking apparatus. The smoke exit vent is preferably comprised of many holes, each hole being smaller than the activated carbon to prevent the activated carbon from exiting the exit vent. Moreover, the smoking apparatus may be an enclosed bag containing the smoke. Accordingly, the disposable filter is not used during inhalation, and only used during exhaling.

The filter housing 10 is made of a flexible material, such as a metalized laminated pouch. Material used for the laminated pouch consists of the group polyethylene terephthalate, foil, or polybarrier film. In another embodiment of the invention, the metalized laminated pouch is between approximately 3 and approximately 5 millimeters thick. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the metalized laminated pouch is approximately 4 millimeters thick.

Although the invention has been described with respect to particular embodiments of a smoke filter that is detached from a smoking apparatus, it is appreciated that various modifications are possible without deviating from the invention as defined by the claims set forth below.

Claims

1. A disposable smoke filter to reduce the chemical constituents and odor of exhaled smoke, comprising;

(a) a flexible filter housing detached from a smoking apparatus,

(b) a mouth piece,

(c) an exhaled smoke intake vent,

(d) a pre-filter pouch comprised of a metalized laminated pouch, having pores containing filter media; wherein the metalized laminated pouch is between approximately 3 and approximately 5 millimeters thick, and

(d) a filter exit vent, wherein smoke is not inhaled through the disposable smoke filter.

2. The filter of claim 1 wherein the metalized laminated pouch consists of the group polyethylene terephthalate, foil, or polybarrier film.

3. The filter of claim 1 wherein the metalized laminated pouch is approximately 4 millimeters thick.